Pinarayi Vijayan faces potential bribery charges in CMRL-Exalogic case

Legal counsel has advised the Kerala government that bribery and disproportionate asset charges against former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and his family may hold ground in the CMRL-Exalogic case. The legal opinion, provided by Advocate General Jaju Babu, suggests potential offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, specifically regarding the amassing of assets disproportionate to known sources of income.

The investigation follows an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report detailing alleged illegal payments made between 2016 and 2026. The ED claims funds were transferred, potentially through Exalogic—a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena—to benefit the former Chief Minister. Legal experts noted that Section 7(2) of the Act may apply as CMRL officials reportedly confirmed payments were made to Veena for services that were not provided.

Additional scrutiny is expected for Veena’s husband and former Cabinet Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas regarding disproportionate assets. The Kerala government, led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, is currently deliberating whether to initiate a preliminary inquiry or register a First Information Report (FIR) through the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.